The annual ROCKN’ to LOCKN’ competition is going down Friday at the Jefferson Theatre. ROCKN’ to LOCKN’ is a battle between local Virginia bands in which they go through rounds of performances and are voted on by the fans to play at LOCKN’ music festival, being held Aug. 23-26 in Arrington, Va.
This round, taking place in Charlottesville, is the semi-finals, and the winner will earn a chance to compete in the final round and eventually win a spot on the LOCKN’ lineup. The four bands playing at the Jefferson Friday night are Travis Elliott, Jouwala Collective, The Judy Chops and Disco Risqué.
Travis Elliott is a mid-thirties Charlottesville local, whose "music has been described as pop, alternative, a little folky, rock, Americana, and most of all, catchy.” He has released one EP and two full length albums. In 2008, he was named best solo artist of the year by C-VILLE Weekly.
Jouwala Collective is a Richmond-based band that plays traditional African and spiritual songs. Their music includes chants and long rhythmical trances combined with a western jazz, funk-rock influence.
The Judy Chops is a blues and swing band from Staunton, Va. They’re a seven-piece group with a three-part vocal harmony, a banjo, electric and bass guitar solos, an upright bass and cocktail drums. They’ve played at many festivals throughout Virginia and incorporate elements of swing, blues, rock-a-billy, classic country and western into their music.
Disco Risqué has a mission to “take over the world one sweaty, borderline psychotic music lover at a time.” The Charlottesville band is known for their entrancing visuals and loud funk-rock tunes. They play with screaming guitars, raw vocals and a thumping bass to integrate rock, funk, R&B and heavy rock together.
There are two other semi-final competitions taking place in Rocky Mount and Virginia Beach.
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